To start, the CMSS is a Cisco "specialist" level certification, whereas the CCNA is an "associate" level certification. Both of these last 3 years when you obtain it for the first time.   Recertification requirements for Cisco certifications across all levels can be found on the following official Cisco page: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/recertification-policy.html#~requirements   As clearly outlined, the "associate" level certifications can be recertified a handful of different ways, such as by passing any one associate exam or professional concentration exam. Unfortunately, passing a specialist level exam, such as the ECMS exam that grants the CMSS certification, is NOT one of those ways. We have also posted this information on the "CMSS FAQ" page in the Meraki Community: https://community.meraki.com/t5/FAQ-and-other-resources/CMSS-FAQ/ba-p/98529   It was not part of the original question but a specialist certification such as the CMSS can itself be recertified through a number of different ways, such as passing a professional concentration exam or passing a technology core exam. It is entirely possible/viable for someone to recertify their CMSS certification and CCNA certification simultaneously by passing an exam that has overlap between the two (e.g. passing an expert-level written exam). ... View more

@DavidVW @BlakeRichardson    Hi guys, I'm here to address the subject of Meraki training classes (and their cost).   For ECMS1 and ECMS2 courses, there are approved Cisco Learning Partners around the world that offer these classes in different time zones and different languages. These are paid classes (they may also accept Cisco Learning Credits) and they are taught by a qualified CCSI (Certified Cisco Systems Instructor) instructors. These classes also host a virtual lab with gear for you to practice on. You can find a listing of those Learning Partner offered classes on the ECMS1 and ECMS2 pages here in the Meraki Community.   Meraki does have a dedicated training team that delivers these same ECMS1 and ECMS2 classes. These classes do not cost any money, but you have to contact your Meraki sales team and ask them to add your name to the waiting list for the desired course through a "nomination" process. The Meraki training team will then fill the available training sessions based on certain metrics and criteria. If approved, you will be sent a confirmation regarding your registration for the course along with the class details (such as date/time, how to join, etc.). There is not a guarantee that everyone will be approved or accepted into these Meraki-led sessions, especially for the high-demand classes such as ECMS2.   I hope this helps clarify things! ... View more

Having taken plenty of Cisco exams at various approved Pearson VUE testing centers, it was definitely an eye-opening experience to set up my own "testing area" at home when I took the CMSS. I won't repeat most of what's already been said here by @PhilipDAth and @billyzoellers but I wanted to say that every person's experience will vary depending on the proctor that is assigned to you. Mine took a full 15-20 minutes to validate the photos of my testing area while I sat still without anything to distract me with - no coffee, no phone, no music, and couldn't even stand up to stretch my legs as I had to keep my face within the video camera. The VUE software also triggered my anti-virus a few times with a very loud system chime, which didn't trigger the proctor. However, talking out loud to myself (it's a nervous tick of mine) DID trigger the proctor and he asked me to stay silent.   I think everyone is entitled to their own opinions about what's acceptable in terms of privacy, security, and confidentiality. But I think during this period of time as the global pandemic is still on-going and possibly into the future - we are all adjusting to keep the wheels going. I don't think it's reasonable to stop offering certifications altogether especially since there are plenty of people that need to meet certain recertification deadlines. But we all agree that clearly there's a lot of improvements that can be made to Pearson VUE's method of facilitating and proctoring these exams.   A question more directed at @PhilipDAth as I'm curious about your opinion: what do you believe would've been the right course of action by Cisco Meraki at the launch of this exam? Would it be to withhold the launching of the exam until it can be taken in the traditional format (in-person)?   Where it is possible and allowed, this ECMS exam can be taken in a traditional setting. A team member of mine in Japan visited a VUE testing center and completed the exam in person. The concerns and objections with the potential security vulnerabilities and identity risk surely can be applied to the entire portfolio of Cisco exams (really any VUE offered exams).   My final thought: the CMSS certification follows and abides by the rules and processes that have been implemented & regulated by the Cisco Certification team, who jointly works together to approve of Pearson VUE's testing practices & policies. I don't think there was much Cisco Meraki could've done to request that this certification was proctored differently from all other Cisco specialist certifications...     ... View more